The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Written by Tim Kelly based on the book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Performed by Exeter Drama Company

At Longdown Village Hall, Longdown

Directed by Frances Guy

 

The howling of an animal and violin music playing a tango is heard as the curtains open and we are greeted with a gorgeous set representing the drawing room of Baskerville Hall on the moor and used throughout the production. Designed and built by the company, as always, this set consisted of three flats, painted and wall papered with a lovely fireplace and display cabinet set stage left, a grandmother clock and bureau set stage right, with a covered chaise longue centre-stage. A coat of arms is hung on the wall along with a portrait of the late Sir Hugo Baskerville. Two entrances and exits, one in the rear flat which shows access to the hallway (papered in similar wallpaper but differing in colour) and patio doors, stage left, allowing access from the gardens of Baskerville Hall.  Lit brightly to show early afternoon, the play begins with Lady Agatha Mortimer, a pathologist, dressed in a long orange skirt, tailed waist coat and white blouse and hair coiffured discussing the mysterious death of Sir Charles with Dr John Watson, believing he was frightened to death with “the expression of sheer terror” on the face of his Cadaver.  They need to call in Sherlock Holmes to investigate.

Lady Agatha is played by an actor with immense presence and superb annunciation. She deals with the script slowly and precisely so the audience can follow the plot.  Dr Watson is played by an actor who is so easy to watch, believable, natural and has some amusing one liner’s throughout bringing levity to the play. Sir Henry Baskerville, heir to Baskerville Hall, is portrayed by a handsome actor, dressed in a long green tailcoat, waistcoat, cravat and black trousers. The epitome of ‘adventurous’ and unafraid of the legend of the hound, this actor is perfectly cast and works well with Kathy Stapelton, who he is purportedly in love with. She pretends Jack Stapelton is her brother when he is, in fact, her husband and another nephew of Sir Charles Baskerville. They plot together to kill Henry to claim the inheritance.

Kathy is portrayed well as a sweet, concerned inamorata and Jack is perfect as a an angry, jealous yet controlled partner.  I need to point out at this stage that the original story has been adapted somewhat by the American writer, Tim Kelly and the story has been manipulated to show Kathy as the assassin and instigator rather than Jack. This did not spoil the audience enjoyment of the performance and I think it enhanced the production, somewhat. A good twist.

Sherlock Holmes is portrayed perfectly as shrewd, unflappable and assertive at all times, in total control of the situation and dismissive of those less intelligent than himself.  Showing no fear, he keenly observes, as they all hear an animal howling at the end of act one, “the horror that killed Sir Charles is prowling the moor once again”.

Barrymore and Mrs Barrymore are butler and housekeeper, respectively, at Baskerville Hall. Loyal to each other, first and foremost, having served the Baskerville family for years. They intend to leave service as Sir Charles left them a small inheritance. Mrs Barrymores’ brother is the escaped murderer, Seldon, and is hiding out on the moor (who we see briefly once).  This is a parallel narrative, interwoven with that of the death of Sir Charles. Portrayed by an actor with physical stature and presence, Barrymore literally filled the door to the hallway. This was an impressive characterisation by a competent actor. Threatening, yet comical at times, this was a different ‘Barrymore’ than I have seen but it blended well against the character of his audacious wife. Mrs Barrymore, portrayed as constantly perturbed and distracted, was exactly right for this part. Perkins, is the maid at the hall, played by a delightful young actor with confidence.

In the second act we meet Laura Lyons, who was a neighbour of Sir Charles. Enamoured with Jack Stapelton, who manipulates her to write a letter, lying for him. This was played by a strong actor who showed both a timid side yet an indominable spirit to do what is right.

This production was cast well and the director had paid attention to the nuances of each of the intertwining storylines. It was very well acted by all involved and was dressed exceptionally well by Lynda Anning and Lucy Treacher. This wardrobe department’s attention to detail is exceptional with some characters having costume changes for each scene or from day to evening. Holmes in a sleeveless cardigan and cape, then a red waistcoat and long dress coat, white shirt and tie. Kathy in a gorgeous brown skirt, patterned tailed waistcoat, white blouse and brooch, hair in a beautiful updo. Laura’s red skirt, black jacket and red bonnet and Jack’s brown corduroy breeches, hacking jacket, jumper, shirt, flat cap and walking stick. I noted numerous changes of costume, all correct for the era.

Being in a village hall can be difficult for both lighting and sound but it never affects Exeter Drama Company’s lighting and sound engineers. Great touches of lighting such as act 1 Scene 3, dimmed when Barrymore turns of the drawing room lights and then uses a lamp.  The stage mics were controlled well as I could hear the words of the actors clearly at the back of the auditorium.

I am an avid fan of all things Sherlock Holmes and this was an interesting and well-produced version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. As always, my grateful thanks to the front of house team who welcomed me and my congratulations to the director and team who brought this fascinating adaptation to the stage.

Lyn Burgoyne (Noda Rep, District 5, Mid and East Devon)

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